Brighton defender, Valentin Barco has credited Alexis Mac Allister and Facundo Buonanotte for their advice in his move to the Seagulls.
Barco signed for Brighton during January’s transfer window from Argentina’s Boca Juniors – where he had spent a decade graduating through their youth system into the first-team, during which he scored twice in 35 senior appearances.
The 19 year-old has since arrived at Brighton in recent days following his involvement in Argentina Under-23s’ Olympics qualification tournament, which saw them successfully qualify as runners-up behind Paraguay.
In his first official interview for the club website, Barco revealed that he had held talks with ex Brighton player – Mac Allister about making the move to the Seagulls, plus also sought advice from fellow Argentinean – Buonanotte who has become a first-team regular this season.
“It is always great to have Argentinians or South Americans in the team as it helps you adapt quickly. I spoke to Alexis and he wished me the very best of luck here. I’m very happy.
“Facundo told me it was an amazing club with a lot of young players and that the manager is very good. I hope to adapt as quickly as possible so I’m able to play soon.”
Barco also spoke highly of the club’s interest in him and their recent track record with South American players, which has seen Mac Allister and Ecuador’s Moises Caicedo make big-money moves to Liverpool and Chelsea respectively last summer.
“The club showed a lot of interest in me. It’s an amazing club and there are a lot of young players here and lots of South Americans too. That’s why I came here.
On the prospect of making his Premier League debut at home to Everton on Saturday (24 February), Barco said: “I’m very happy that I have taken the step to come and play in the Premier League, the best league in the world. I’m very happy.”
The ex Boca Juniors player went on to speak graciously of his experiences with Boca as he continued: “I was nine when I arrived at Boca and I was there for ten years.
“In the last few years I was playing for the first team. I was there for a long time and I am very grateful to the club and fans and very happy that I was able to make this step.”
Barco however is pleased to be playing in England’s top-flight despite not having watched a lot of Premier League games, but is aware of its popularity around the globe.
“I didn’t watch it a lot, but the Premier League has always been the best in the world. Everyone there dreamed of playing in the Premier League.
“I have fulfilled that dream and I hope to adapt as quickly as possible.”
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